Mastering the Bunny Hop on Your Full Suspension MTB

Last Updated on September 29, 2026 by Md Arifur rahman

Yes, you can absolutely bunny hop a full suspension mountain bike, and it’s a fantastic skill to learn. The key is to compress and extend your body at the right moments, using the bike’s suspension to your advantage rather than fighting it. Mastering this technique will help you clear obstacles with ease.

Many riders think full suspension bikes are too heavy or too squishy for bunny hopping. We found that while it requires a slightly different approach than a hardtail, the suspension can actually help you get airborne. It’s all about timing your movements with the bike’s natural rebound to achieve a higher, smoother hop. You’ll soon be popping over roots and rocks like a pro!

• Adjust your suspension for a firmer feel.
• Master the preload and pop.
• Time your body movements with the bike.
• Practice on smooth, level ground first.
• Be patient; it takes practice!

Ready to get airborne? Let’s walk through exactly how to bunny hop your full suspension mountain bike, step by step.

You’re ready to take your riding to new heights. Bunny hopping your full suspension mountain bike might seem tricky at first. Many riders worry the squishy suspension will suck up their energy. We found that with the right technique, you can actually use that suspension to your advantage. It’s about working with the bike, not against it. Let’s break down how to get yourself and your bike airborne.

Mastering the Full Suspension Bunny Hop

The key to bunny hopping a full suspension bike is understanding how the suspension works and when to engage your body. It’s a dance between compressing the bike and extending yourself. We’ve found that riders often try to muscle it, which is the opposite of what’s needed.

Dialing In Your Suspension Setup

Before you even think about hopping, check your suspension settings. For bunny hopping, you want a firmer feel. Too much sag will absorb your pumping motion. This means less energy goes into lifting the bike.

Front Suspension (Fork)

Many forks allow you to adjust compression damping. Turn it up slightly. This makes the fork resist diving too much when you preload. You don’t want it rock solid, just firmer. Research and found that a few clicks can make a big difference.

Rear Suspension (Shock)

Your rear shock also has settings. Look for a “climb” switch or compression lever. Flipping this to a firmer setting is ideal. It significantly reduces pedal bob and suspension compression. This is a game-changer for hopping. We found this is the most important step for many riders.

Tire Pressure

Check your tire pressure too. Slightly higher pressure can help. It makes the wheels feel less squirmy. You want a solid platform for takeoff. Avoid over-inflating, though. You still need grip.

The Essential Preload and Pop Technique

Bunny hopping is fundamentally about two main actions: the preload and the pop. Think of it like a spring. You compress it, then release it to launch.

The Setup Roll

Start with a comfortable rolling speed. Too slow, and you won’t have momentum. Too fast, and it becomes harder to control. Aim for a pace that feels controlled but energetic. We found a brisk walking pace is a good starting point.

The Compression (Preload)

As you approach the point where you want to hop, do two things simultaneously. First, bend your elbows and knees to compress the bike. Think about pushing down and into the bike. This loads the suspension and your body like a coiled spring. Many experts say this is where the power is stored.

The Extension and Scoop (Pop)

Immediately after compressing, extend your arms and legs powerfully. As you extend, pull up on the handlebars and push your feet forward and up. This is the “scoop” motion. It lifts the front wheel. Crucially, as the rear suspension unloads, your body’s upward motion helps lift the back wheel too.

Timing is Everything: Working With the Suspension

This is where the full suspension magic happens. You aren’t fighting the suspension; you’re using its rebound.

The “Float” Phase

After you pop, there’s a brief moment where the bike is airborne. Your body’s extension should time perfectly with the rear shock beginning to extend. This rebound helps lift the back of the bike. We found that timing this extension is key for getting the back wheel up.

Bringing the Rear Wheel Up

As the front wheel comes up from your pull, you need to bring the rear wheel up. This happens as you complete your body extension and the rear shock starts to rebound. Think about bringing your feet up towards your butt. This pulls the rear wheel through the air with you. It’s like a slight manual motion at the peak of the hop.

Landing Smoothly

As you come down, start to absorb the impact by bending your arms and legs. Aim to land with both wheels at roughly the same time. Be ready to compress again if you’re hitting another obstacle. We found that anticipating the landing helps prevent jarring impacts.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

You’ll likely make a few mistakes when you’re learning. That’s perfectly normal. Here are some common ones and how to address them.

Not Enough Height

If you’re not getting enough height, you might not be preloading enough. Or, your pop might be too weak. Try a more aggressive compression and extension. Also, check your suspension settings again. Are they too soft? Many guidelines suggest firmer settings for hopping (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases).

Front Wheel Stays Low

This usually means you’re not pulling up hard enough on the handlebars. Or, you’re leaning too far forward. Try to keep your weight centered. Focus on a strong upward pull on the bars as you extend.

Rear Wheel Doesn’t Come Up

This is a classic full suspension problem. You might be timing your extension wrong. It could also be that your rear shock is set too soft. Try adjusting your shock’s rebound damping too. A slightly faster rebound can help. We found that practicing the “scoop” with your feet is critical here.

Landing Awkwardly

If you’re landing stiff-legged or with a hard jolt, you’re not absorbing the impact. Focus on bending your knees and elbows as you touch down. Think of it like landing from a small jump on a trampoline. You want to cushion the return.

Practice Drills for Improvement

Consistent practice is key. Start simple and build up. Here’s a checklist to help you track your progress:

• Find a smooth, flat, grassy area. Grass is forgiving.
• Practice the preload and pop motion without jumping. Feel the compression and extension.
• Try hopping just the front wheel a few inches off the ground.
• Progress to lifting both wheels, even if it’s just a little.
• Work on getting the rear wheel higher by practicing the foot scoop.
• Gradually try hopping over small, soft obstacles like a line of tape.

Remember, every rider is different. Your bike’s suspension characteristics will also play a role. Be patient with yourself. You’ll get there!

Conclusion

You’ve learned that bunny hopping a full suspension mountain bike is totally achievable! It’s about working with your bike’s suspension, not against it. Remember to dial in your suspension for a firmer feel, master the preload and pop, and focus on timing your body movements with the bike’s natural rebound. Don’t get discouraged by initial challenges; consistent practice is your best friend. Your next step? Grab your bike, find a safe, open space, and put these techniques into practice. You’ll be clearing obstacles before you know it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my full suspension bike make bunny hopping harder than a hardtail?

It can feel different, but not necessarily harder. Your full suspension bike might feel less responsive initially. However, with the right technique, you can learn to use the suspension’s rebound to help lift the rear wheel, potentially giving you a smoother, higher hop. We found it’s more about a different approach.

How much should I adjust my suspension to be firmer for hopping?

You’re looking for a noticeably firmer feel, but not completely locked out. For the fork, slightly increase compression damping. For the rear shock, engage the climb switch or firmest compression setting. Research suggests that too much sag will absorb your pumping energy, so reducing it is key.

What is the most common mistake beginners make when hopping a full suspension bike?

A very common mistake is trying to force the hop or fighting the suspension. Beginners often forget to use the “scoop” motion with their feet to bring the rear wheel up. We’ve found that focusing on the coordinated body extension and foot pull is critical for lifting the back end.

How can I get the rear wheel to come up higher?

Getting the rear wheel up higher is often the trickiest part. Ensure your body extension at the peak of the hop is powerful. Also, practice bringing your feet up towards your butt, like you’re trying to pedal backward slightly in the air. Timing this with the rear shock’s rebound is essential.

Is it okay to use a dropper post for bunny hopping?

For learning and practicing bunny hops, it’s generally best to have your dropper post fully extended or at its highest setting. While you can technically hop with it dropped, it will absorb much of your pumping action and make it harder to get the bike airborne. We recommend it fully extended for maximum efficiency.